Skeptic

Today’s Gospel Text: While he was thus speaking to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; 21 for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, 24 he said, "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district. Matt 9:18-26

Reflection: They call them skeptics, who look at life in the negative sense and may keep grumbling about life and situations.

Likewise, there were skeptics at the funeral rites of the ruler's daughter. 

But how could they not, they grew up probably in keeping with Jewish tradition, in a family that played at funerals, the dirge.

They may have heard countless stories of death passed on from their ancestors and even been at funerals with their parents and grand parents playing the flute.

Could it be possible, that they have heard of people who have died for long hours and now coming back to life?

Possibly, they could have and there may have been cases like in our time, but in case a person does come to life then is a post script.

How can a person who is dead and is lying lifeless, cold as ever, be claimed to be sleeping?

That would be foolish and even the most optimist could fail in such circumstance.

But nevertheless, these with their expertise and knowledge do have an opportunity to make fun of the situation, failing to understand the power and might of God presence in their midst.

God will go to any extent to help us believe in him and his power, so that we may not be condemned, but be saved.

On the other hand these skeptics add to the drama, so that countless down the ages may unlearn their ways of approaching life and trust in God.

We can very well put ourselves in the shoes of these flute players and crowd and ask ourselves: “What would I have done in such a situation and how will I be prepared if such a situation should happen in our day? 

At the same time we should not be deceived by any imposter who will come in the name of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, grant me wisdom, which you freely give to all those who ask of you and may I never chose to walk in darkness when I have the help of your light.

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Knowing Christ of God

Today’s Gospel Text: Now it happened that as he was praying alone the disciples were with him; and he asked them, "Who do the people say that I am?" 19 And they answered, "John the Baptist; but others say, Eli'jah; and others, that one of the old prophets has risen." 20 And he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God." 21 But he charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised." 23 And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. Luke 9:18-24

Reflection: Do people always say things openly or give their opinion openly? 

The truth is; very rarely we have people who will speak things in the open.

Did Jesus, who could read minds, have to find out who he is and what people say about him from his dedicated disciples?

I am sure not, he must have posed this question for the benefit of his disciples and  for us, for all time to come and for every time.

It is in this light that the question posed by Jesus to his dedicated disciples gains a lot more significance.

In other words this question is meant to be answered, not only by the dedicated disciples of his, at that time but it is question even meant to be answered, by each one of us, now and here:

"But who do you say that I am?" (vs. 20)

You may choose to avoid it and say that we are not meant to learn doctrine and lets be more pastoral and some may even say; "as long as we love as Christ wanted us to love is enough." 

Yet if you choose the latter then better step down as leaders in the church of Christ and if you have not grappled with this question in its entirety then you can only be an imposter scurrying for power and positions. (Mt. 16:17-19)

On the other hand, Jesus is not just the Christ of God but he also a suffering messiah for  a purpose.

Hence it is not enough to know the doctrine of Christ but also the suffering that he the messiah would undergo and all those who follow him will also have to undergo similar sufferings in order to follow him.

It is not just a life of mighty works and miracles, with the anointing of God all the way, that counts but a way of the cross is what is essential: 

"If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. (vss. 23-24)

                                                                                                                                

Prayer:  Lord that I may know you and the power of your resurrection, and may share in your sufferings, becoming like you in your death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Prayer of St. Paul the apostle; cfr. Phil 3:10-11)

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us